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Explore Beautiful Landscapes


The Cibola is spread far and wide across the width of New Mexico and into the grasslands of Texas and Oklahoma.

Recreation Areas

The Enchantment of Forest, Wilderness and Grasslands

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The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands encompasses 1.9 million acres. The four “sky island” ranger districts: Sandia, Mountainair, Magdalena, and Mt Taylor cover more than 1.6 million acres in New Mexico with elevations range up to 11,301 ft. The Cibola also has four wilderness areas: Sandia Mountain, Manzano Mountain, Withington and Apache Kid and administers four National Grasslands: Black Kettle, McClellan Creek, Kiowa and Rita Blanca covering 263,261 acres in northeastern New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.

Top Photo: Field of flowers on the Black Kettle National Grassland. (USDA Forest Service photo by Todd Stewart)

Prepare for Your Visit

Recreation Sites

Capilla Peak Campground on Mountainair Ranger District

Four season opportunities for visitors to the forests, wilderness and grasslands

Find Your Way

Trail on Sandia Ranger District

Cibola area maps are available in all formats and for all devices. Plan ahead by mapping your adventure.

Fee Passes

Enchantment Fee Pass of National Forests of New Mexico

Check out what fees are required and what fee passes are available. Know before heading out.

Fire Information

Photo of Magdalena Ranger District 2022 Bear Trap Fire

Protect the forest and surrounding communities by following fire-safe practices and staying informed of conditions in your area.

Get a Permit

Photo stack of firewood

Some activities on the forest require a permit like firewood collection, recreation events, filming, weddings, and other events.

Features

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